Luvox (Fluvoxamine)

Do's

• Take Luvox as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily at bedtime or twice daily (morning and bedtime). 
• Take the larger dose at bedtime if taking twice daily and doses are unequal. 
• Start at a low dose and gradually increase as directed by your healthcare provider to minimize side effects. 
• Take Luvox regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit. 
• Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dosage or frequency of use. 
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage adjustments. Your healthcare provider may gradually reduce the dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms. 

Don'ts

• Don't increase the dose or use Luvox more often than prescribed. 
• Don't stop taking Luvox without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you feel well. 
• Don't abruptly discontinue Luvox as it can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms. Stopping suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, headache, and sleep problems. 

Dosage is based on individual factors like medical condition, response, age, and other medications. 

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weakness
• Sweating

Serious side effects:

• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Shaking (tremor)
• Decreased interest in sex
• Changes in sexual ability
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Black stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Seizures
• Eye pain/swelling/redness
• Widened pupils
• Vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Luvox,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Before taking Luvox, tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have and your medical history, especially bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, liver problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, bleeding problems, glaucoma or a family history of any of these conditions.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, liver problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, bleeding problems, glaucoma, or a family history of any of these conditions.

Fluvoxamine can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you are stable on the medication.

Fluvoxamine may increase the risk of QT prolongation, a heart rhythm condition. This risk is higher if you have certain medical conditions or take other medications that affect heart rhythm.

Let your healthcare provider know about all medications you are taking and if you have any heart problems or a family history of heart problems.

Low potassium or magnesium levels can also increase the risk of QT prolongation. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking diuretics or have conditions like sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take before any surgery.

Fluvoxamine can cause bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation, especially in older adults. Older adults are also more at risk of developing hyponatremia, especially if taking diuretics.

Children may experience side effects like loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor their weight and height while taking this medication.

Fluvoxamine should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed as it may harm the unborn baby.

Babies born to mothers who took fluvoxamine in the last trimester may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Fluvoxamine passes into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Do not stop taking fluvoxamine unless directed by your healthcare provider, even if you feel better.

Discuss the risks and benefits of taking fluvoxamine during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.